Cristiano Ronaldo OUT of Man Utd clash with Fulham through ‘illness’ before superstar heads to World Cup with Portugal

CRISTIANO RONALDO is NOT in Manchester United's matchday squad to take on Fulham.

The 37-year-old striker appears to be absent once again through illness.

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He also missed the 4-2 Carabao Cup win over Aston Villa during the week.

And now Ronaldo will not be involved in United's last game before the World Cup.

He is due to jet off to Qatar and captain his Portugal side in the tournament.

Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag had previously suggested Ronaldo would be ready for today's game.

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But it seems as though CR7 has not been able to recover in time.

Ten Hag had insisted he would not accept the World Cup as an excuse for any slip-ups this weekend.

When asked on Friday if Ronaldo would be ready to face Fulham, Ten Hag said: “I can’t guarantee that now and he was ill for the Aston Villa game. He can recover from that. It’s not a serious illness that takes days or weeks.

“I think it is possible that he is available for Sunday and that he will be in the squad.

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“I think the players are all aware of the importance of the game against Fulham and I will not take the World Cup into consideration.

“We play the best team and until Sunday it is the interest of Manchester United and just for Manchester United.”

Anthony Martial leads the line in the absence of Ronaldo.

Teenage star Alejandro Garnacho is also only named on the bench, despite his electric form as of late, with Anthony Elanga starting on the wing.

Other changes from the last league game include Tyrell Malacia in for the suspended Diogo Dalot, and Bruno Fernandes in for Donny van de Beek.

Elsewhere, Victor Lindelof is preferred to Harry Maguire in defence.

Ten Hag's side host Marco Silva's Fulham looking to go within three points of fourth-placed Tottenham going into the break.

The Whites meanwhile can go above West London rivals Chelsea and up into eighth place with a victory.